Sheffield Wednesday's Manuel Hidalgo confirms contract termination and cites Diego Maradona's death as a reason behind departure

The winger took to social media on Tuesday evening to announce that the club had terminated his contract less than a year after he joined the Owls from Italian side Triestina on an 18-month deal for an undisclosed fee.

He wrote on his official Instagram page: “After five years in Europe and living in three different countries, with the death of Diego Armando Maradona I realized that it was time to stop the ball a bit and go home to enjoy the really important things in life like family and friends.

“I hereby announce my termination of contract with Sheffield Wednesday with still six months to go… I wish this club the best in the world for his understanding, in addition to his players and his people, whom I can only thank for the support and making it clear that I do not move for the economic but for what I feel in my heart.”

The 21-year-old arrived at Hillsborough on a permanent basis following a successful trial period and was a member of the club’s under-23 squad.

On arriving at the club, Hidalgo said he was relishing the challenge of playing for Wednesday.

He said: “This is a big step for me but I feel very prepared and very happy to be here.”

But he did not make a single first team appearance for the club and is now returning to his native Argentina.

Hidalgo served his football apprenticeship with Portuguese giants Benfica, where he stayed for two years from the age of 16.